Bong Go gives aid to fire victims

CEBU, Philippines — To help the victims of a recent fire in Talisay City, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go’s team distributed assistance such as grocery packs, water containers, masks, snacks, vitamins, shirts, and balls for basketball and volleyball at the Barangay Cansojong Gymnasium in Talisay City where 130 families are sheltering after being left homeless by a fire.

In coordination with Cebu 1st District Rep. Rhea Mae Gullas, Talisay City Mayor Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas, and Cansojong Barangay Captain Vic Oberes, among others, Go dispatched his Malasakit Team to deliver the necessary assistance to the victims last Wednesday.

They also gave away shoes and a mobile phone to select recipients.

Go expressed his sympathies for the families impacted by the fire that happened last March 19 in Talisay City.

“Mga kababayan ko, magtulungan lang po tayo malalampasan rin natin ito. Huwag kayong mawalan ng pag-asa, ang importante po ay buhay tayo, ang importante walang nasaktan,” Go said in a video message.

“Tandaan natin, ang gamit naman po ay nabibili natin, magtulungan lang tayo. Ang pera ay kikitain, magsipag lang tayo. Ngunit ang perang kikitain ay hindi makakabili ng buhay na nawala. A lost life is a lost life forever. Kaya pag-ingatan natin ang buhay na ibinigay sa atin ng Panginoon,” he added, also recognizing government agencies for providing assistance to the fire victims.

Representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry and the National Housing Authority also conducted an assessment to identify who are qualified to receive livelihood or housing assistance, respectively.

Go reaffirmed the government’s efforts to enhance fire response and preparedness, particularly in light of the implementation of Republic Act No. 11589, also known as the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act.

This law, which Go was a principal author and co-sponsor of, aims to boost the firefighting capacity of the country.

Under this law, the BFP is embarking on a 10-year modernization initiative. This program involves procuring modern fire equipment, recruiting more personnel, and offering advanced training for firefighters, among others.